Aston Villa business operations chief set to depart club for reported LIV Golf role

Heck, who previously worked as president of NBA franchise Philadelphia 76ers , has been in the role at Villa Park for the last two years and has helped increase Villa's profile off the pitch.

However, he will leave the club at the end of his contract after deciding to return to the United States .

"Aston Villa is one of the best clubs in the world, and I am grateful to have had an opportunity to contribute to their success over the past two years," he said.

"From the beginning, we laid out a clear strategic road-map, and I am so happy with the unrivalled progress we have made on that plan."

Heck had been credited for his part in Villa recording record revenue over the last two years - which coincided with Villa's qualification for the Champions League.

The 2023/24 end of season accounts revealed record revenues, with club income hitting ££275.5m.

During his time at the club though, he has come under scrutiny due to expensive ticket prices and other stadium issues.

The club had to defend itself against expensive ticket prices for Champions League matches, and refusing the club's Fan Advisory Board's request to cap prices.

He was also part of changing the club crest, with members of FAB believing Villa due not go through the proper process of consultation. The FA later got involved in the matter which is still ongoing.

According to reports in The Telegraph, Heck is now set to take up a similar role with the Saudi backed LIV Golf tour.